Sunday, September 28, 2008

Trader Joe's, Cobble Hill


...opened on Friday, and I popped in on my way home after work. And popped right out again.

Two things caught my attention: a bag of many baby artichokes from California for less than $4 [an example of what Michael Pollan described as "irresponsible pricing"?], and...oh, some very petite endive - red and white - in a cute little package whose square footage of cellophane reminded me of my beloved Woolworths in Constantia, Cape Town, whose packaging, excess of, leaves a lot to be desired, but whose quality I personally tend to swoon over. There is nothing as good in the States. Not under one roof.

I will return to Trader Joe's when there are fewer ladies going , "Oh my Gwawd, look at the cute cwarts!" It may be useful for one-stop shopping. My butcher baker candlestick maker routine can be tiring: here for charcuterie, there for cheese, there for bread, over there for green things and fruit, somewhere else again for meat, etc.

I am spoiled by Sahadi's a couple of blocks from home, whose prices and quality are outstanding, with the Green Pea next door, with fresh - but seldom organic (I have hope, though) - produce, and the revamped Key Food where organic eggs, milk, chickens (but not meat) are to be had. Not to mention the Halaal butcher, the Borough Hall Farmers' Market...

The small, specialized, family-owned nature of my shopping pleases me. I like to know people, and for people to know me.

5 comments:

  1. I so totally love your way of shopping and am jealous beyond belief. Here in the midddle of Kansas I don't have the options you do. We grow as much as we can and do our best to make responsible decisions!

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  2. Flashback to Salt River market for baskets of guavas and brussels sprouts, the Moslem butcher shop in Woodstock, Banderkers Indian grocery for bread, naked but for a piece of tissue paper (the loaf, of course)and beef olives for a special treat... the flower sellers on pavements, I get anxiety attacks in Whole Foods, but have found an organic coop which is bearable..

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  3. Amanda - yes, it's ironic that this Big City still has the small places, not vice versa...but growing your own is wonderful.

    Oumie - have you seen the Biscuit Factory's market in Woodstock?First the 4 x 4 BMW's and Porsches pull up, and then the place is mobbed. The nicest stall (you have to grow it or make it yourself to have a stall) is the one with fresh curry and lemon leaves, and samoosas.

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  4. I agree - it gives such a feeling of community to know who you're buying from! Here in Cincinnati we have this bustling, chaotic, wonderful place called Findlay Market where I can buy from local farmers and family-owned shops. I can't say I buy everything local, but I also have my here for bread, there for spices, over there for produce, another place for honey... etc...
    I wish I could grow more herbs and vegetables though! I only just have a balcony, not a yard... so I am inspired by how you grow your own!

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  5. I just posted your photo to my blog with your url. Let me know if you would prefer that I use your name (or take it down).

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